Floatation pump device

ABSTRACT

A shallow flotation pump device includes a hollow flotation tank which is adapted to be floated in a source of water such as a pond or the like and which has a centrally located opening therein in which is mounted a chamber structure. The chamber structure has an inlet opening therein which is located below the water surface and an outlet opening which is connected to the conduit of a primary suction pump. The floating pump device permits water to be pumped from adjacent the water surface into the conduit without the creation of whirlpools or without the danger of air entering the suction line.

United States Patent Primary Examiner-C. .l. Husar Anomeys-Williamson, Palmatier & Bains, George F.

Williamson, l-l. Dale Palmatier and Herman H. Bains ABSTRACT: A shallow flotation pump device includes a hollow flotation tank which is adapted to be floated in a source of water such as a pond or the like and which has a centrally located opening therein in which is mounted a chamber structure. The chamber structure has an inlet opening therein which is located below the water surface and an outlet opening which is connected to the conduit of a primary suction pump. The floating pump device permits water to be pumped from adjacent the water surface into the conduit without the creation of Whirlpools or without the danger of air entering the suction line.

PATENTED U 2 3.617. 146

SHEET 10F 2 Ail,

FLOATATION PUMP DEVICE SUMMARY OF INVENTION An object of this invention is to provide a flotation device for use in supporting the inlet end of a suction line conduit of a primary suction pump used in supplying water in a cleaning operation such as that used in cleaning aggregate, minerals or the like. The flotation device may employ a pump which assists the primary pump in pumping water from the source. This arrangement and construction of the flotation device permits water to be pumped from shallow ponds and the like without producing eddies and minimizes the occurrence of sand, debris and the like from being sucked into the conduit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the flotation pump device;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof with a pump motor removed therefrom; and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating a slightly modified form of the flotation pump device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Referring now to the drawings and more specifically to FIGS. I to 3, it will be seen that one embodiment of the novel flotation pump device, designated generally by the reference numeral 10, is thereshown. This flotation pump device is used in conjunction with a cleaning system such as those employed in cleaning aggregate, minerals and the like. The flotation pump device 10 is adapted to float in a source of water such as a pond, lake or the like, and is connected to a primary suction pump 11 by means of a conduit 12.

The flotation pump device 10 includes a generally rectangular shaped shallow flotation tank 13 which is of hollow construction and includes an upper wall 14, bottom wall 15 and sidewalls I6. This flotation tank 13 has a central opening 17 therein which is of rectangular configuration and in which is mounted a generally rectangular shaped hollow chamber structure 18. The chamber structure 18 is also constructed of metal and includes vertically oriented sidewalls 19. The chamber structure has an-inlet opening 20 in the lower end thereof and an access opening 21 in the upper end thereof.

A perforate guard or wire mesh screen 22 is mounted over the inlet opening to permit the flow of water therethrough but preventing the passage of debris into the chamber structure. It will be noted that the inlet opening 20 is located below the surface of the water while a major portion of the chamber structure is located above the surface of the water. In this regard, it is pointed out that the flotation tank 13 has a relatively small vertical dimension so that the inlet opening 20 of the chamber structure is located only approximately a foot below the water surface. This is possible because of the large length and width dimensions of the flotation tank.

A generally rectangular shaped cover 23 is positioned over the access opening 21, and in the embodiment shown engages a peripheral inturned flange 24. Peripheral flange 24 is secured to the inner surfaces of the sidewalls 19 adjacent but spaced from the upper peripheral edges of the chamber structure, A sealing gasket 25 is interposed between the upper surface of the flange 24 and the lower surface of the cover 23. Upstanding threaded studs 26 are secured to the flange and project through openings in the cover and threadedly engaged by wing nuts 27 to releasably lock the cover on the chamber structure 18. With this arrangement, the volumetric space of the interior of the chamber surface above the water level is sealed from the exterior.

One of the sidewalls I9 of the chamber structure has an outlet opening 28 therein and this outlet opening is located above the water level. The inlet end of the conduit 12 has an outturned flange 29 which is positioned against the chamber structure to intercommunicate the conduit with the outlet opening in the chamber structure. An elbow conduit 30 is positioned interiorly of the chamber structure and has an outturned flange 31 at one of its ends which is positioned against the inner wall surface of one of the sidewalls 19 of the chamber structure. The out-turned flange 29 of the conduit 12, the out-turned flange 31 of the elbow conduit 30. and the chamber structure are provided with openings therein. The bolts of suitable nut and bolt assemblies 32 extend through the openings to secure the conduit 12 and elbow conduit 30 to the chamber structure and in communicating relation with respect to each other.

It will be noted that the other end of the elbow conduit 30 extends below the surface of the water and is positioned adjacent but spaced from the inlet opening 20. The flotation pump device includes a pump comprised of an electric pump motor 33 which is mounted upon the cover 23 by suitable brackets 34. The output shaft 35 of the pump motor extends through a bearing on the cover and is connected to a shaft extension 37 by a coupling 36. The shaft extension 37 projects through a vertically oriented sleeve-type extension 38 on the elbow conduit 30, the extension 38 having suitable O-ring seals or the like therein. The lower end of the shaft extension 37 is provided with a rotary bladed impeller 39 which is secured thereto for rotation therewith. The coupling 36 permits the output shaft to be readily disconnected from the shaft extension 37.

During operation of the flotation pump device 10, the device will be floated in a source of water such as a pond or the like and will be connected to the primary suction pump 11 by the conduit 12. The primary suction II will be operated thus inducing the flow of water into the inlet end of the conduit 12. Since the water is drawn into the conduit only approximately a foot below the water surface of the pond, there is little likelihood that sand or other bottom material will be included into the conduit. However, because of the relatively large surface area that the flotation tank occupies, there will also be little likelihood, if any, of whirlpools or eddies being created by the suction.

The pump motor 30 will also be operated to force the water through the inlet end of the conduit 12 and thus force-feed the primary pump thus increasing the pumping capacity of the system. It has also been found that by locating the flotation device on the surface of the water so that the inlet end of the chamber structure is positioned below the surface of the water, the entire pumping system including the primary pump and conduit 12 becomes self-priming and obviates the need of foot valves. When the pumps are stopped all of the conduits drain free of water, including conduit 12, and this self-draining feature is desirable during intermittent operation of the system in cold weather. The wire mesh screen 22 may be readily cleaned or removed and replaced by first removing and replacing the cover. In this regard, it will be noted that the wire mesh screen is provided with an out-turned peripheral flange that is positioned upon an inturned peripheral flange 40 of the chamber structure 18. It is also pointed out that the pump device 10 is of such compact size that it may be moved from one location to another as desired.

Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that a modified form of the flotation device is thereshown and is designated generally by the reference numeral 10a. This pump 10a is also connected by conduit 12a to a primary suction pump 11a in the manner of the embodiment of FIG. 1. The flotation pump device includes a generally rectangular shaped flotation tank 13a preferably formed of metal and including an upper wall 14a, a bottom wall 15a and a sidewall 16a. The flotation tank 13a has a centrally located generally rectangular shaped opening 17a therein which accommodates a vertically oriented generally rectangular shaped chamber structure 18a therein. The chamber structure is provided with vertically oriented sidewalls 19a has an inlet opening in the lower end thereof. In this regard, it will be noted that a generally rectangular-shaped value plate 410 is positioned upon the inturned peripheral flange 40a is the chamber structure 18a. The value plate 410 has an opening 42a therein which defines the inlet opening for the chamber structure.

A value member of flop gate 430 is pivotally connected to the valve plate 41a by hinge 44a and is moveable between opened and close relation with respect to the opening 42a. A stop 45a is secured to the hinge 44a and serves to limit pivotal movement of the flop gate to the position shown by dotted line configuration in FIG. 4. In this regard, it will be noted that the flop gate when in the fully open position is not moved to an over center position so that when the flow of water to the opening 430 ceases, the flop gate 430 will fall to the closed position by action of gravity.

The chamber structure 18a is also provided with a guard member or wire mesh screen 220 in the manner of the embodiment of FIG. 1. In this regard, the wire mesh screen 22a is provided with an out-turned flange which is positioned upon the flange 40a of the chamber structure 18a. The chamber structure 18a is also provided with an access opening 21a which is suitably closed in sealing relation by a cover 23a. The cover 23a is positioned upon an intumed peripheral flange 24a which is secured to the sidewalls 19a of the chamber structure. A gasket 25a is interposed between the cover 23a and the flange 24a to provide a suitable seal. It will be noted that the inlet opening of the chamber structure is positioned below the surface of the water while the major portion of the chamber structure projects upwardly beyond the surface of the water.

Means are provided for releasably holding the cover 23a upon the chamber structure and to this end, a bracket 46a is mounted upon the chamber structure adjacent the upper end thereof. A threaded clamp bolt 48:: is pivotally connected to the bracket 460 by pivot 47a and the clamp bolt is adapted to extend through an opening in a hold down bar 490. In this regard, it will be noted that the hold down bar 490 is of elongate construction and the opening therein which receives the clamp bolt is located adjacent one end thereof. The other end of the hold down bar 49a is pivotally connected to a bracket 50a by a pivot 510, the bracket 50a being rigidly attached to the exterior surface of the chamber structure adjacent the upper end thereof. A wing nut 52a releasably engages a clamp bolt 48a to releasably lock the hold down bar against pivotal movement. A cover hold down riser block 53a is secured to the hold down bar and is adapted to engage the upper surface of the cover to retain the cover in clamped relation to the upper end of the chamber structure. Again, it will be noted that the cover when positioned in closing relation with respect to the chamber structure will be spaced slightly downwardly from the upper peripheral edge of the chamber structure. With this arrangement, in the event that an ineffective seal is formed by the cover, water may be added to the recess above the cover to provide a ready seal thereat.

The chamber structure 18a also has an outlet opening 28a in one of the sidewalls therein and this outlet opening is located above the surface of the water. One end of the conduit 12 is provided with an out-turned flange 29 which is positioned against the exterior surface of the chamber structure so that conduit 12 projects interiorly of the chamber structure 18. The out-turned flange 29a is provided with suitable spaced apart openings for accommodating nut and bolt assembly 32a which releasably secures the conduit to the chamber structure 180. In this regard, it is pointed out that the chamber structure is also provided with openings therein for receiving bolts of the nut and bolt assemblies.

The embodiments illustrated in FIG. 4 functions in the same manner as that of FIG. 1 with the exception that no auxiliary pump mechanism is provided for the flotation pump device a. Thus when the primary suction pump 11 is energized, water will be drawn through the inlet opening and into the conduit 12. The suction of negative pressure causing the flow of water into the chamber structure 18a causes the flop gate 43:: to be raised and the flop gate will be maintained in its raised position until the primary suction pump is deenergized.

The flop gate will fall by action of gravity thus closing the inlet opening and retaining a substantial amount of water in the lines. It is felt that this is desirable if an auxiliary pump is not utilized. Thus the flotation device illustrated in FIG. 4 also retains the self-priming feature by retainjngjwater in the lines.

From the foregoing description, it W1 e seen that l have provided a novel flotation pump device which is of portable construction thus permitting the device to be carried from one location to another. It will be noted from the preceding paragraphs that the novel flotation pump device permits removal of water by a suction pump from shallow ponds and the like without the attendant dangers of sand or the like being sucked into the system. It will further be noted that the present flotation pump device is arranged and constructed to support the inlet end of the primary pump conduit and permits water to be introduced into the conduit closely adjacent the surface without the creation of eddies, Whirlpools and the like.

Thus it will be seen that I have provided a novel flotation device which is not only of simple and inexpensive construction, but one which function in a more efficient manner than any heretofore known comparable device.

What is claimed is:

l. A buoyant device for supporting the intake end of a conduit in a body of water, comprising a buoyant flotation structure adapted to float in a body of water, said flotation structure having a central opening therein and having a vertical dimension substantially smaller than its transverse dimension,

a hollow vertically oriented chamber structure mounted on said buoyant structure in the central opening therein and projecting upwardly beyond the upper surface of said flotation structure, the lower end of said chamber structure being open and positioned slightly below the surface of the water and defining an inlet opening, said lower end of the chamber structure being disposed closely adjacent the lower surface of the flotation structure, said chamber structure having an open upper end and having upstanding vertically oriented peripheral walls having an outlet therein located above the surface of the water and above the flotation structure,

a removable closure member closing the upper end of said chamber structure in sealing relation, means releasably locking said member on the upper end of said chamber structure,

a generally vertically oriented conduit section mounted in teriorly of the chamber structure and having one end thereof communicating with the outlet in the peripheral walls of the chamber structure, and having the other end positioned adjacent the open lower end of said chamber structure, said conduit section having a cross-sectional size substantially smaller than the cross-sectional size of said chamber structure,

said chamber structure adapted to be connected to one end of an elongate conduit so that the conduit communicates with the outlet opening and with said conduit section, the other end of conduit being connected to a suction pump,

a perforate element positioned over the inlet opening of the chamber structure,

and an auxiliary pump mounted on said closure member and having an elongate shaft extending interiorly of the chamber structure and downwardly into said conduit section, a bladed impeller affixed to the lower end of said shaft and being positioned closely adjacent the lower end of said conduit section, said auxiliary pump being operable to cause the water to flow through the inlet of the chamber structure and into the conduit.

2. The buoyant device as defined in claim I wherein said chamber structure is of rectangular configuration and wherein said flotation structure is of rectangular configuration. 

1. A buoyant device for supporting the intake end of a conduit in a body of water, comprising a buoyant flotation structure adapted to float in a body of water, said flotation structure having a central opening therein and having a vertical dimension substantially smaller than its transverse dimension, a hollow vertically oriented chamber structure mounted on said buoyant structure in the central opening therein and projecting upwardly beyond the upper surface of said flotation structure, the lower end of said chamber structure being open and positioned slightly below the surface of the water and defining an inlet opening, said lower end of the chamber structure being disposed closely adjacent the lower surface of the flotation structure, said chambEr structure having an open upper end and having upstanding vertically oriented peripheral walls having an outlet therein located above the surface of the water and above the flotation structure, a removable closure member closing the upper end of said chamber structure in sealing relation, means releasably locking said member on the upper end of said chamber structure, a generally vertically oriented conduit section mounted interiorly of the chamber structure and having one end thereof communicating with the outlet in the peripheral walls of the chamber structure, and having the other end positioned adjacent the open lower end of said chamber structure, said conduit section having a cross-sectional size substantially smaller than the cross-sectional size of said chamber structure, said chamber structure adapted to be connected to one end of an elongate conduit so that the conduit communicates with the outlet opening and with said conduit section, the other end of conduit being connected to a suction pump, a perforate element positioned over the inlet opening of the chamber structure, and an auxiliary pump mounted on said closure member and having an elongate shaft extending interiorly of the chamber structure and downwardly into said conduit section, a bladed impeller affixed to the lower end of said shaft and being positioned closely adjacent the lower end of said conduit section, said auxiliary pump being operable to cause the water to flow through the inlet of the chamber structure and into the conduit.
 2. The buoyant device as defined in claim 1 wherein said chamber structure is of rectangular configuration and wherein said flotation structure is of rectangular configuration. 